Noise Law Applies To Houses Of Worship

AURORA — Some provisions in a city ordinance limiting noise in residential areas now apply to houses of worship, under an amendment approved recently by the City Council.

The amendment was drafted because the city last summer received numerous complaints about a festival at St. Therese Catholic Church, 271 N. Farnsworth Ave., city spokesman Bill Catching said.

Under the 1996 ordinance, property owners can be cited by police when noise emanating from a house can be heard more than 75 feet from the lot line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. During the day, electronically amplified noise heard from 75 feet away can result in a citation.

The original ordinance exempted houses of worship. Under the amendment, houses of worship would still be exempt from the daytime restrictions, if the noise comes from inside of a building, but could be cited for noise from outside or at night.

Houses of worship can still apply for permits to hold outdoor events, Catching said.